LNZNDRF - II

Release Date: January 29, 2021
Genre: Alternative Rock, Electronica

I gave this album a spin because of the Devendorf brothers and that's all I really needed to know. I tried listening to Beirut in the past, but they never grabbed my attention. I mostly listen to this while playing Hitman 3.

Review: So the first song has a long intro before finally getting into this shoegaze flow, no vocals, and as background noise, I had no problem with it. "Brace Yourself" adds vocals and I honestly don't feel anything. I guess it does have those indie rock vocals, or the post-punk type where the energy just sounds dry. But I still viewed the songs as a few friends just messing around for fun. "You Still Rip" is more upbeat and accessible. I think "Cascade" is boring, but it's probably necessary to have a slower, haunting song to contrast.

My first favorite song was "Chicxulub" because it does sound psychedelic and there's no vocals, but one of the instrument takes lead and in my mind, I can sorta feel this swirl and I think it's trippy. "Ringwoodite" has vocals and I apologized for not knowing who is singing, but I like that the vocals are more faint and to me, they sound more like chanting rather than words. "Gaskiers" had this back and forth cradle feel to me. Vocals are robotic, reminds me of something daft punk or gorillaz would do. Then finally, "Stowaway" sounds more like the start of the album where it feels like a jam session that grows more chaotic.

Tracklist/Scorecard:
1. The Xeric Steppe 7/10
2. Brace Yourself 6/10
3. You Still Rip 7/10
4. Cascade 5/10
5. Chicxulub 8/10
6. Ringwoodite 8/10
7. Gaskiers 9/10
8. Stowaway 7/10

Summary: Gave this a listen because it had members of The National in it, pretty sure those drums are from Byran. Vocals are okay. As background noise, it's fine, it's interesting to hear the songs repeat itself and expand, but I don't think I'll be revisiting this album once the years goes on.

Key Track: Chicxulub, Gaskiers
Rating: 7/10